Electric flasher



13, 194-5. P. H. CHASE ETAL 2,388,8@

ELECTRIC FLASHER Filed March 21, 194-1 6 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 13, 1945. P; H. CHASE ET AL 2,338,780

ELECTRIC FLASHER Filed March 21, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 13, 1945. P. H. CHASE ET AL ELECTRIC FLASHER Filed March 21, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 13, 1945. P. H. CHASE ET AL 2,383,780

ELECTRIC FLASHER Filed March 21, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 13, 1945.7 P. H. CHASE ET AL 2,33$,7$@

ELECTRIC FLASHER Filed March 21, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 13, 19455 P. H. CHASE ET AL 2,388,78@

ELECTRIC FLASHER Filed March 21, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Nov. 13, 1945 ELECTRIC FLASHER Philip H. Chase, Bala-Cynwyd, and James V. ONeill, Willow Grove, Pa.; said ONeill assignor to said Chase Application March 21, 1941, Serial No. 384,566

7 Claims.

This invention relates to electric flashers, and with regard to certain mOIe specific features, to intermittently operable flashers, particularly for Signalling from motor vehicles and the like.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a flasher which is quick starting, and which when made up either as a plain flasher or a sequence flasher provides a complete initial flash in each flash period, and which when made up in the form of a sequence flasher always initiates the signal at a desired (beginning) point in the flashing cycle, regardless of the direction of the flash sequence; the provision of a device of the class described which without the addition of auxiliary sounding parts provides an audible tell-tale for advising an operator of operating conditions; the provision of apparatus of the class described which operates reliably on a relatively low current and voltage and which is characterized by a substantially uniform flashing rate under widely difierent voltage and other conditions; and the provision of apparatus of the class described which is very small and compact and economical to manufacture, requiring little change in design to accommodate various numbers and sizes of lamps to be flashed. Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, and arrangementsof parts which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated several of various Possible embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a vertical section taken through a distributor box, interior parts being shown in elevation;

Fi 2 is a horizontal section taken on line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken on line 33 of Fig. 1, showing parts in neutral position;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1, looking up;

Fig. 7 is a wiring diagram showing a neutral setting;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a setting for signalling a right turn;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing a setting for signalling a left turn;

Fig. 10 is a detail view of an alternative form of magnetic armature;

Fig. 11 is a side elevation with parts broken away showing an alternative form of resistance spool and container;

Fig. 12 is a horizontal section taken on line l2-l2 of Fig. 1, 1ooking up;

Fig. 13 is a view analogous to Fig. 2 showing the details of an alternative form of ratchet driving mechanism;

Fig. 14 is a vertical section taken on line l4--l4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showing another form of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a vertical section taken on line lB-l 6 of Fig. 15; and,

Fig. 17 is a detailed plan view of a part of Figs. 15 and 16.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

The present invention is herein described as effecting sweep flashing, but it is to be understood that it is applicable to conditions of plain flashing, and for that purpose any lamp in the sweep-flash train of lamps to be described may be considered to be a plain flasher if the other lamps are extinguished, or if flashed simultaneously therewith by a connection therebetween.

In general, flashing is used to increase the attracting power of electric-light motor vehicle signals. Plain flashing is the flashing of a signal lamp or the simultaneous flashing of two or more lamps. Plain flashing is used in conjunction with shape-of-signal aspect, such as arrow or pointer, to indicate direction in the case of a direction signal. Use also is being made of light units with signal-aspect-shape of no directional sign flcance per se, but relying for the directional message upon the right or left position of the signal on the vehicle, aided by plain flashing.

Directional or sweep flashing makes use of two or more lights, in a horizontal line on a motor vehicle, which are sequentially flashed in but one direction at a time and thus produce repeated sweep-flashes, either left-to-right or right-toleft. The direction of travel of the light crests or flashes corresponds to the vehicle turn to be made. Between the successive flash traverses or sweeps are intervals of minimum illumination.

In actuating a motor vehicle signal to indicate a turn the driver is likely to allow but little time in anticipation of actually making the turn and the time may be insuflicient for (a) the starting of the flashing apparatus, (b) the production of at least one flash cycle, and (c) recognition by those for whom the signal is intended. With some types of flashing apparatus the time interval between its energization and the inception of flashing comprises a large percentage of the total time from apparatus energization to signal recognition. For these reasons it is important to begin the first complete flash cycle as quickly as possible after signal apparatus energization and not to delay or confuse it by first completing any previously unfinished cycles or flashes.

Furthermore, in orderto maintain the flashing rate within an optimum range for motor vehicle signals, the flashing equipment should have inherent constant-speed or frequency characteristics under the varying voltage and temperature conditions met with on the motor vehicle.

The present invention secures the advantages of quick signal inception with complete flash cycle starting at the beginning of the cycle and substantially uniform flashing rate, all afforded by relatively simple apparatus.

It is to be understood that the method and apparatus of the present invention is useful in other applications than to motor vehicles, for example traflic signals, signs, window displays and the like, wherein similar requirements may exist.

Figs. 1-6 show the mechanical apparatus used in flashing signal lamps A, B and C shown in Figs. 7-9. The apparatus of Figs. 1-5 constitutes a direction switch and a, timer to produce a directional signal consisting in repeated and unidirectional traverses of light flashes across lamps A, B and C, left-to-right or right-to-leit, as determined by the position of the direction switch.

Referring now to the mechanical features of the invention (Figs. 1-6), these will be seen to comprise a base I from which extend upwardly twostandards or draw screws 3, which are each surrounded in ascending order by spacing pillars 5, 9 and II. Above the uppermost pillars nuts I3 are threaded over the draw screws 3, to pull together all of the spacing pillars 5, 7, 9 and II, respectively.

Between the lower spacing pillars 5 and l is located aplate |5 forming a main support for vibrating motorizing apparatus to be detailed. Between the middle pillars and 9 is clamped an insulating distributor plate or wafer [1. Between the upper pillars 9 and H is clamped an insulating switch plate or wafer l9. Wafers I1 and I9 may be integrated, if desired, in which event wiring between them may be eliminated. For clarity, this wiring is not shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 but is included in the wiring diagrams of Figs. 7-9.

Above the draw nuts |3, the threaded ends of the screws 3 pass through clips 45 of a resistance support 4'! and through holes in the head 2| of a cylindric container or cover indicated in general at 23. Cover 23 has a skirt 25 extending from the head 2| and surrounding all of the working parts down to the base The cover 2| has a central bushing 27 through which passes a control shaft 29. On the outer end of this shaft is a manual control button 3| including a suitable pointer 33 to indicate right, left and middle positions. On a motor vehicle the contact button 3|, or equivalent hand-operated lever, may be located, for example on the steering column and the flasher mounted under the GQ 0.1

hood, with mechanical connections therebetween, for example a solid or flexible shaft, to operate the control shaft 29.

Carried on a fixed arm 28 on the shaft 29 (inside the head 2|) is a spring ring 35. This ring supports in suitable openings detent balls 31, which cooperate with detents 39 formed under head 2|, so that, when the handle 3| is turned, it may take up either one of three predetermined positions, namely, a central neutral position, a left-hand position, or a right-hand position.

Limiting stops 4| under head 2| prevent excessive movement of the handle 3|, being engaged by a finger 3D struck up from 28 and passing through the opening in spring ring 35. The springiness in the plate 35 permits the balls 31 to ride over the raised ports between detents 39, as required.

The head 2| is held down on the nuts I3 by means of acorn nuts 43. Held between the cover 2| and said nuts l3 are the clips 45, to which is riveted an insulating fibre cylinder 41, the latter being positioned as a depending skirt between skirt 25 and around the wafers I1 and I9. On the outside of the insulating skirt 41 are wound parallel lamp-dimming resistances R|, R-2 and R3, the connections for which will be specifled when describing Figs. 7-9. These resistances are wound on cylinder 41 and hence around other parts of the device, whereby space is conserved. They are thus also placed in maximum extended position in addition to being opposite to the skirt 25, for maximum heat loss by radiation to and conduction through skirt 25. The inside of the lower portion 86 of skirt 25 is lined with felt, as indicated at 49 for sounddeadem'ng purposes. In addition the fibre cylinder 41 has a sound-deadening effect. The degree of sound-deadening may be varied considerably by the nature, amount and location of the skirt lining 45 and of the fibre cylinder 51 (see Fig. 11). V

The supporting plate I5 is supported by rubber grommetsor eyelets 63 on the screws 3, the edges 65 of the grommets extending around plate openings 61. On opposite sides of the grommets are pressurewashers 69 which are subject to the compressive action of the adjacent spacing. pillars 5 and l. A spacing. pillar 5 spaces the pressure washers on the opposite sides of each of these grommets to secure the desired degree of compression and resilient hold of plate l5. This permits the plate to rock somewhat under the action of the vibratory action to be described as takingplace around the horizontal center line indicated at CL in Figs. '1 and 2.

In order further to limit the desired rocking, theplate I5 is provided with a downward extension H which includes a horizontal portion 13 with an opening in it for the reception of a third grommet l5 surrounding one of the lower pillars 5. The lower grommet 15 is not subject to normal compression or pinching action, such as by the washers 69 used in connection with grommets B3 on center line CL. Thus the limited rocking action of the plate l5 around the center line CL is permitted by the substantial movement at a substantial radius of the horizontal portion 13 in the unpinched grommet 15. But this horizontal motion is limited and is clamped by said grommet i5.

Grommet 15 may be omitted where the limiting of rocking and damping of vibration, afforded by the grommets 63, is sufiicient. In this case, horizontal portion 13 is omitted.

. It is apparent that, alternative to grommet 15, as a means of limiting and damping the rocking movement of plate I5, the insulating distributor plate I1 may be rigidly supported and spaced from plate I5, for example by spacing pillars similar to pillars 1, or by upward extensions of plate I5, with rivets or draw screws therethrough. In this modification one spacing pillar spaces washer 69 from insulating wafer I9. The holes in plate I1, through which pass said spacing pillars, accommodate normally uncompressed or pinched grommets similar to grommet 15.

By means of the resilient mounting of plate I5, the vibrations caused by the interaction therewith of the vibrating motor parts are dampened and the sound vibrations produced thereby and transmitted through solid parts to the external parts are substantially reduced.

Under some conditions the sound from the flasher may be useful to indicate operation. It a higher level of sound is desired, grommets 63, pressure washers 69 and spacing pillars 6 may be omitted, plate openings 61 reduced to pass mere- 1y screws 3, and the plate I held rigidly by spacing pillars 5 and 1.

At the lower end of a second vertical portion 11 (from plate support or frame I5) is an opening 19 (Fig. 5). Surrounding this opening is an insulating plate 8| through which is threaded an adjustable contact 83 adapted to be locked into adjusted position by a lock-nut 85. This contact 83 is engageable by a second vibrating contact 81 located on a spring-bronze conducting spring 89. Spring 89 is riveted to a magnetic armature 9| rotatable on a pin 93 behind the vertical portion H and between the plate I5 and horizontal member 13. Ears 14 on the armature form the rotary connection with pin 93.

In the armature is an opening 95 which when the armature 9| is in the dotted-line position (Fig. 5) tends to surround the end 91 of a mag net core 99. This armature with a hole in it is to be distinguished from armatures which have magnetic material opposite the end of the ma net core, because, by means of this hole and movement of the periphery of the hole adjacent to the periphery of the member 91 of the core 99, there is obtained decreasing end pulling force as the armature laps the magnetic core end instead of an increasing end pulling force theretofore.

Thus in pulling the armature toward the core, and at about the time that the contacts 81, 83 break, the end pull of the magnet becomes substantially reduced and there is no core-end contact at the end of the armature movement, and i sound produced by such contact is avoided. It is clear that the end-pulling force of the magnet core or pole face 91 alters to radial as the armature encircles core end 91. It will be understood that the portion of the spring member 33 which is shown as covering the opening 95, being made of spring bronze which is not magnetic, does not affect the magnetic action.

The decreasing end pull on the armature as it approaches the core end and the avoidance of armature core end contact contribute to smooth, steady vibratory action, and unneeded noise is avoided.

Return vibratory action of the armature is effected by means of a spring IOI in a hollow nortion I03 of the core 99, said spring reacting from an adjustable set screw I05 (locked in position by a lock nut I01) and against the port on of the bronze spring 89 which covers the opening 95 (Fig. 5).

tary brush I33.

' each is longer than the preceding one.

tral opening 15L Surrounding the core 99 are the insulated windings of a solenoid I09 which is supported on said core. The core is riveted, as indicated at III, to a rearward portion I I3 extending down from said supporting plate I5.

Any energization of the solenoid I09 through the contacts 83 and 81 will result in vibratory action of the armature 9I in a horizontal plane below center line CL and substantially at right angles thereto. Because the center line of the coil I09 is below and at right angles to the center line CL, there is the'linnted rocking action above-mentioned around the upper grommets 63 and a freer but still damped motion at the unpinched lower grommet 15.

Riveted to the horizontal supporting plate I5 is a fixed vertical pin II5 upon which is a rotary, preferably fibre (insulating) ratchet wheel II1. A washer H6 is placed below the ratchet 1. This ratchet wheel H1 is advanced tooth-bytooth by means of a pawl H9. Pawl H9 in the form of a hardened wire bail is pivoted at I21 between ears I23, the latter extending from said armature 9|. Extending up from the plate I5 is a lug I to which is riveted a spring I31 the end of which engages the teeth of the ratchet I [1 to prevent their return action when the pawl H9 moves over a return stroke, as distinguished from a driving stroke. The stroke of the pawl II 9 is intended to be such as to advance the ratchet one tooth at a time, the adjustments of the contacts 83 and 81 and of abutment I05 being arranged to produce this efiect. A spring I25 biases the pawl I I9 against the teeth of the ratchet H1 and upon vibration of the armature 9I the pawl advances the ratchet tooth-by-tooth. Since the vibrations are rapid, the rate of rotation of ratchet H1 is substantial and as desired, due to the adjustments 83 and I05, and the proportioning of parts 89 and 9 I.

While a spring-driven ratchet is shown, it will be understood that the drive may occur upon the magnetically actuated stroke of the armature. rather than upon the spring-actuated stroke.

Fastened to the ratchet by means of a conducting spring support I21 are brushes I29, I3I and I33. It will be understood that the brushes, while conductively related by the support I21, are wholly insulated on the fibre ratchet H1. Since these brushes are spring mounted by I21, the vibratory rocking above described does not interfere with the brush contact operations to be described.

The middle brush I3I is co-axial with the shaft H5 and engages a central contact I39 mounted in the insulating distributor plate I1. Mounted on theplate I1 and around the central contact I39 is a second, horseshoe-shaped contact I4I, between the adjacent ends of which is an opening I43. This contact MI is engaged by the ro- Concentric with the horseshoeshaped contact I4! and at a greater radius in plate I1 are mounted three contacts I45, E41, I49 which, successively considered, are spaced and The three of them are also mounted concentric with respect to the center contact I39 and are successively engaged (shortest first) by the outermost rotary brush I 29 as it moves counterclockw se, viewed from above. The spaces between contac s I45, I41, I49 are preferably lapped by the width of brush I29, for the sequential flashing herein described.

The insulating plate or wafer I9 has a cen- Riveted to its edges are radially located contacts K-'| to KI2. The contacts K'-| to KI2 are riveted to the plate I9 and (except K9 which serves merely as a connection terminal) extend radially inward where they are provided With spring fingers I53 which are selectively engageable by switch blades S-I, S2, S3. The switch blade rotor I55 is centered by four holding fingers I54, The blades are riveted to the switch blade rotor or central insulating member I55 which has a hole I51 in the center with flat sides to accommodate the flattened end I59 of the control pin 29 extending from the control handle 3|. Thus by rotation of the handle 3| into any one of its three detent positions, any one of three positions of the switch blades S-I, S-2 and S3 may be determined with respect to the contacts KI to KIZ.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 7-9, like numerals designate like parts. Since in Figs. 1-6 the ratchet H1 is rotary in a counterclockwise direction when looking down on the apparatus, it has been so indicated in Figs. 7-9 and the contacts laid out accordingly. 'At I65 is an energizing battery which through points I69, I1I, contact K3 and point I13 energizes the center contact I39 and thus the brushes I3I, I33 and I29. Since brushes I33 and I 29 at this time engage no contact, they energize nothing in the neutral position of parts shown in Fig, '1. Thus the solenoid is not energized to rotate the brushes and no lamps A, B or C are burning.

When a right-turn setting is made of the control handle 3|, the switches S-|, S-2 and S-3 become rotated clockwise (Fig. 8), The brush SI is always in sliding contact with the contact K3, and in moving from the Fig, '1 to the Fig. 8 position an extension I15 thereon comes into engagement with the contact K4. The battery then supplies the following circuit: points I69, I1I, contact K3, switch blade S--I, contact K--4, point I16, contact K6, point I11, solenoid I09, contacts 83, 81, armature 9| and then to ground via the dotted line I19. The armature 9| which carries the contact 81 is suitably grounded for this purpose by grounding its support I5. The above connection has th result of causing vibration of the armature 9| with a make and break at the contacts 83, 81. The result is that the vibrating pawl 9 drives the ratchet I I1 counterclockwise to rotate the brushes I29, I3| and I33 at a substantial rate.

As soon as brush I33 moves, it promptly engages the contact MI and then the solenoid I09 is additionally energized by flow of current from the center contact I39, brush I33, contact I4I, point I8I, contact KB, point I11, coil I09, contacts 83, 81, support I5 and ground I19. Thus, even though the handle 3| should at this or any subsequent time be returned to neutral, the solenoid motor continues to drive the contact I33 to produce a complete series of flashes (the cause of which will be described) and at least until the brush I 33 runs oil the contact MI, and into open space I43. Of course, if the button 3| is not returned to neutral, the solenoid will continue to rotate the brushes indefinitely.

Assuming that the handle 3| has not been returned to neutral position, but remains for some time in the Fig. 8 position, the outer brush I29 serially engages the sector contacts I45, I41, I49.

In the absence of brush I 29 being on one of the contacts I45, I41 or I49, all of th lamps A, B and C are energized (burn dimly) through the resistances RI, R2, R3, a follows (Fig. 8)

battery I65, points I69, 'I1I', contact 'K3,blade S-I, contact K4, points I16, I83, I85, and then through the resistances RI, R2 and R3 in parallel.

Resistance R-I connects point I with point I81, contact KIII, points 23I, 229, contact I45, point I44, contact K-|2, switch blade S3 through extension 2|0 thereon, contact KII, points I89, I9I, I and then through the lamp A back to the battery I65 via ground, as shown.

Resistance R2 connect point I85 with. point I91, terminal K9, points I99, 200, 20I, 205 and then through the lamp B and back to the battery I65, via ground.

Resistance R3 connects point I85 with point 201, contact KB, switch S-2 through an extension 209 thereon, contact K1, points 2, 2I3, 2|5, 2|1 and 221, then through the lamp C and back to the battery I65, via ground.

From the above it will be seen that all of the lamp A, B and C burn dimly as soon as the switch blades S|, S-2 and S3 are thrown into right-turn position. Then, as the brush I29 rotates counterclockwise across the contacts I45, I41, I49 the current to the lamps A, B and C is circuited in parallel around the respective resistances RI, R2 and R3, as follows (Fig. 8)

When the brush I29 engages contact I45, lamp A is energized as follows: battery I 65, then I69, I1I,K3, I13, I39, I3I, I29, I45, I44, K--|2, S--3, KI I, I89, I9I, I95, lamp A, and to the battery I65, via ground. Under these conditions the lamp A burns brightly during the period that the brush 29 traverses the contact I45. When the brush leaves the contact I45, the lamp A is again energized only through the resistance R--I, and burns dimly until brush I29 re-engages contact I45.

When the brush I29 engages contact I41, the circuit is as follows, starting with the center contact I39 which is energized as before: I29, I41, 2I9, 22I, 223, K9, I99, 200, 29!, 295 and through the lamp B back to battery I65, via ground. The lamp B burns brightly for an interval longer than the interval of burning of lamp A because the contact I41 is longer than the contact I45. It will be noted however that the lamp A does not go dim until lamp B is energized brightly.

Lamp C is caused to burn brightly when the brush I29 engages contact I49 as follows, starting with the center contact I39 which has been energized as before: I29, M9225, K-8, extension 209 of S2, K-1, 2|I, 2I3, 2I5, 2I1, 221 and through the lamp C to the battery 55, via ground. The lamp C burns brightly for a longer interval than lamp B because of the greater are of contact I49.

When the handle 3| is turned to neutral position, the brush I29 ceases its rotations over contacts I45, I41, and I49, but not until the brush I33 runs into its disconnected position in space I43 in the contact I4I, as above made clear. This feature assures starting always at the beginning of a cycle. That is, when the brush I33 is in the space I 43 in contact I4I, which is its stopping position, the brush I29 is not engaging one of the three contacts I45, I41, I 49. This assures that the initial flashing operation Will never occur in such a way as to finish up a flash that was formerly ended on any lamp A, B or C, and will always occur in such a way that never is there any unfinished sequence required to be finished. The moment of inertia of the ratchet I I1 and the switch parts connected with it is such that as soon as the pawl I I9 stops theratchet stops. The braking action of the pawl H9 and spring I31 contribute to this result.

The principles of the invention apply to plain flashing, as well as to sequence flashing, as for example if any two of the lamps A, B and C were disconnected the remaining one would work as a plain flasher, according to the principles emphasized in the last paragraph above. The device would also operate as a two-lamp sequence flasher by disconnecting the center lamp B, or lamps A and C, for example, may operate simultaneously in plain flashing with the three contacts I45, I41 and I49 connected together or merged into one contact of arcuate length to secure the desired flash duration. Resistances R-I, R.2 and R,3 may be omitted under conditions where lamp darkness between flashes is desired. For such lamp flashing arrangements, appropriate omission of certain of the contacts KI to KI2 would be made.

It is also apparent that the lamps A, B and C, or any of them, can be utilized for other functions than direction signalling (for example, for tail lights, stop lights or parking lights), when the handle 3| is in neutral position and the necessary connections for such function made through another switch plate similar to switch plate I9 mounted similarly thereabove on the draw screws 3, and spaced therefrom by pillars similar to pillars 9. Conversely, in case the desired function of the apparatus is merely as a flasher and an external switch is utilized for its energization and the connection of the lamp or lamps to be flashed, the switch plate I9, control shaft 29, control but ton 3 I, spring ring 35 and their appurtenant parts, are omitted, and the connections to contacts I39, I4 I, I45, I41 and I49 are brought from said external switch. Thus, the construction illustrated is readily adapted to meet a wide range of applications, such as for example, type of flashing, lamp functions and number, and installation conditions.

In Fig. 9 is shown the electrical conditions for left-turn, when the handle 3I is thrown counterclockwise into left-turn position. Like numerals designate like parts. In this case the solenoid I09 and the resistances RI, R,-2 and'R,3 are energized from contact KB, instead of from contact K--4, the extension I15 of brush SI having been moved over to contact KE as shown.

The brushes I29 and I33 still operate counterclockwise in Fig. 9 because the vibrator, when energized, still drives the ratchet II1 counterclockwise. It i therefore necessary to reverse the connections of the first and last arcuate contacts I45 and I49 in order to obtain a reversal of the flashing sequence from A, B, C to C, B, A, to indicate a left turn. This occurs as follows (Fig. 9):

When brush I29 is on contact I45 the circuit starting with the center contact brush I3I is, brush I29, contact I45, then 229, 23I, KIIJ, S-2 (through extension 209), K--1, 2I I, 2I3, 2I5, 2I1, 221 and then through the lamp C back to the battery I65, via ground. This brightly lights lamp C.

Next, when the brush I29 engages the contact I41, lamp B is energized brightly as follows, starting with brush I29, contact I41, then 2I9,-22 I, 223, K-9, I99, 290, MI, 295 and then through lamp B back to the battery I65, via ground. This series of connections for the middle arcuate contact I41 is the same as under the right-tum conditions. This is because the connection between the battery and the lamps through the contact I41 is independent of any of the switch blades SI, S2 or 8-3. Switch blade S--I is used only for the purpose of initially feeding from the battery the resistances R-I, R-Z and R3 and the solenoid I99, in either the right-turn or left-turn positions of the handle 3|.

When the brush I29 engages arcuate contact I49, the connections are as follows, starting with brush I29, contact I49, then 233, 235, 231, contact K-2, switch blade S3 (through extension 2 I0) KII, I89, I9I, I95 and then through the lamp A and to the battery I65, via ground. Lamp A 9 1 wafer and I9 a switch wafer, and that these items then burns brightly.

In Fig. 11 is shown an alternative form of the resistance-supporting cover, consisting of a top 5i flanged as shown at 53 to receive snugly a metal casing 52 in the interior of which is snugly fitted a double-walled cylinder 55. Cylinder 55 consists of an inner insulating cylinder 51 and an outer insulating cylinder 59 between which are carried the resistances Rr-l, R2 and RF3. This cover may be used instead of the cover 2|, 25, and 41 heretofore described. It has the advantage that the sound-deadening effect and proper support of the resistance wires is effected by the insulation mounted on and within the metallic sleeve itself.

In Fig. 10 is shown an alternative form of the armature 9 I. Here it is provided with a rectangular opening IBI for cooperating peripherally with a rectangular end face I63 of the core 99. This illustrates one of the equivalents which may be constructed for converting the endwise pull of the core 99 upon the armature 9|, when separated from the core, into a radial pull without substantial endwise pull as the armature is drawn closer to the core, whereby the easy vibrating action is obtained as above described.

One advantage of the device, in addition to the above, is the fact that the unit is all contained in the housing 23 which in practice is only 2% in diameter and 2%" long, and whose volume is only 11 cubic inches. The switch operating handle 3I extends out from the parts whose dimensions have been stated. This is in addition to the small volume and dimensions of the device used for housing separately the lamps A, B and C. Thus, the whole device is extremely compact and yet quite reliable.

It may be noted that I 1 in effect is a distributor I1 and I9 may be integrated or organized together. As shown in the present drawings, their electrical interconnections and those of the resistances RI, R2, R-3 and the lamps or signals A, B, C are shown only in Figs. 1-9. These interconnections have been omitted from Figs. 1-6 for clarity, but it will be understood that these may be effected by soldering, lugs, or the like.

It will be understood that where audible, tactual or other signals are desirable, these may be substituted for the visible lamps A, B and C.

Also it is apparent that with the addition of more contacts similar to I45, I41, I49, a correspondingly increased number of lamps may be sequentially flashed, and the necessary control and switching thereof provided by one or more switch wafers I9 with suitable radial contacts and switch blades.

The use of a vibrator-solenoid motor for rotating the distributor brushes has an added advantage in providing a sound regulated within substantial limits when the device is set into rightor left-turn position, which can be utilized to indicate operation and to remind the operator to turn it off after a right or left turn has been negotiated. The sound-deadening jacket further regulates this sound. r

It is apparent that, if in addition light signals are desired on the instrument panel of the automobile, these can be readily arranged in the circuit, as for example in parallel with the lamps A, B, C, respectively. w Referring now to Figs. Band 14, like numerals designate like parts. In this form of the invention, the ball M9 is constructed with a bend 32-0 in it's-own plane at about the midpoint of its length. Pin 3|6 is mounted vertically on a slidable yoke 322 which has a slot 324 for adjustably holding it to-plate l by-means of a screw 3%. At a predetermined point in the retractive travel of bail 3i 9, the outward bend portion contacts the pin 346 and forces the bail end out of engagement with the tooth of the ratchet wheel H1 after a one tooth advance.

A'detent spring SIB is mounted on a turnedup lug 328 which is also fixed but adjustable on the plate 5. The detent- 3l8 is located so that it engages at a tooth position predeterminately clockwise from the tooth position at which the pin 316 causes disengagement of the bail 3l9 from the teeth. The end of bail 319 in its normal return'travel picks up the tooth in position next counterclockwise to the end of the detent 318 and carries this tooth with whichit is engaged, one tooth pitch counterclockwise, and is then disengaged by contact of the outward bent portion 320 with the pin 316. Under conditions resulting in the driving of bail 319 beyond the above-(le scribed pick-up position, the bail end rides over the end of the fixed detent 3l8, which serves as a mask preventing engagement bythe bail end at any point clockwise of the predetermined tooth pick-up position.

'Another method of securing positive single tooth advance is illustrated in Figs. 15-17. In this case, the adjustable mask 332 extends upwardly from the base 85, closely adjacent and parallel to the under edge ofthe ratchet'wheel H7, near its circumference. Thebail 333 is constructed with a loop sufficiently wide that the lower leg of it is below the mask 332. Thus the end of the bail passes across the mask 332 and is actuated outwardly from the ratchet wheel by the maskwhen it makes contact therewith on the back stroke. Mask 33?.has a recessed pick-up portion 334 and a cam kick-oil portion 336. An adjustable detent 3-38 is mounted on the same piece "as the mask 332. In this embodiment the fixed detent 338 does not act as'a mask. The mask 332 and the cam portion 336 of the mask extend slightly beyond the outer circumference of the ratchet wheel H1 so that whenever the end of the bail passes over these portions it is forced out of engagin position with the ratchet wheel HT, but when it rides into the recess 334 it is in engagement. The engagement is for a circumferential distance such that during engagement advance of the ratchet wheel is over a single tooth pitch.

Inboth of the forms of the invention shown in Figs. 13 and 15, the bails 319 and- 333 are biased. toward the ratchet wheel by a spring The device operates reliably and smoothly under conditions of variable voltage, which may vary widely, as from 5 to 7 /2 volts, on a motor vehicle with a nominal 6-volt system.

It is clear that the magnetic pull on the armature will be increased when the voltage is higher than the 6-volt normal and the pull will be deasss eo creased when the voltage is less than 6 volts. The travel of the armature is permitted to "be greater under the increased impulse at the higher'voltages, with less travel under the re: duced impulse at the lowervoltages. Regardless of the intensity of the impulse, the deceleration of the armature is smooth and without impact by virtue of the resilient braking at eachend of the stroke. In combination the ratchets of Figs. 13-17 give complete assurance of equal motions under the various impulses.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. In combination, a motor adapted to be driven from a source of power of variable intensity comprising a rapidly vibrating arm whose stroke varies with said intensity, a pawl and ratchet mechanism driven by said arm, said arm being adapted to oscillate rapidly between variable limits, and means associated with the pawl and the ratchet for preventing the pawl from moving the ratchet more than a predetermined amount for each oscillation of said pawl regardless of the intensity of the impulse or the amount of the resulting oscillation.

2. The invention set forth in claim 1 characterized in that said means guides said pawl into engagement with the ratchetat a certain point in the path of movement of said pawl and out of n agement with said ratchet at another point in said path. 4'0" 3. In combination, a motor adapted to be driven from a source of electrical power of varying voltage comprising a rapidly vibrating arm whose stroke varies with said voltage, a pawl and ratchet mechanism driven by said arm, said arm driving the pawl, the extreme positions of the arm being characterized by the absence of any precise limits, and means associated with the pawl and ratchet to advance the ratchet only a predetermined amount for each vibration of said arm regardless of the particular limits of said vibration.

4. In combination, a motor adapted to be driven from a source of power of variable intensity comprising a rapidly vibrating arm whose stroke varies with said intensity, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism driven by said arm, the vibrations of said arm having no fixed limits, the pawl being pivotally attached to said arm and engaging with and adapted to drive said ratchet, the vibrations of the pawl also having no fixed limits, a guide member, said member and said pawl being cooperatively related such that dur-;

ing part of the vibratory travel-of the pawl said member is engaged by the pawl intermediate its pivot and the point where said pawl engages the ratchet to force the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet. V a

'5. In combination, a motor adapted to be driven from a source of electrical power of variable voltage comprising a rapidly vibrating arm whose stroke varies with said voltage, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism driven by said arm, the pawl being pivotally attached to said arm and having a ratchet-engaging element adapted to drivesaid ratchet, the vibrations of the pawl having no fixed stroke, a guide member disposed transversely to said pawl, said member and said pawl being cooperatively related such that during part of the vibratory travel of the pawl said member is engaged by the pawl intermediate its pivot and said element to force the pawl out of engagment with the ratchet.

6. In combination, a motor adapted to be driven from a source of electrical power of variable voltage comprising a rapidly vibrating arm whose stroke varies with said voltage, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism driven by said arm, the pawl being pivotally attached to said am and having a ratchet-engaging element adapted to drive said ratchet, a guide member disposed transversely to said pawl, said member and said pawl being cooperatively related such that during part of the vibratory travel of the pawl said member is engaged by the pawl intermediate its pivot and said element to force the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet, a detent for preventing reverse rotation of the ratchet, said detent being so positioned and. related to the pawl that said element of the pawl slides over said detent and out of engagement with the ratchet during another part of the traveling of the pawl.

7. In combination, a motor adapted to be drien from a source of electrical power of variable voltage comprising a rapidly vibrating arm whose stroke varies with said voltage, and a pawl and ratchet mechanism driven by said arm, the pawl being pivotally attached to said arm and having a ratchet-engaging element adapted to drive said ratchet, an adjustable guide member disposed transversely to said pawl, said member and said pawl being cooperatively related such that during part of the vibratory travel of the pawl said member is engaged by the pawl intermediate its pivot and said element predeterminately to force the pawl outof engagement with the ratchet, a detent for preventing reverse rotation of the ratchet, said detent being so positioned and related to the pawl that said element of the pawl slides over said detent and out of engagement with the ratchet during another part of the traveling of the pawl.

PHILIP H. CHASE. JAMES V. ONEILL. 

